The Department of Economic Development has awarded the top energy saving projects undertaken by local businesses and public sector organisations at the third Annual Energy Champion Awards. The awards ceremony was held at the recent Energy Expo 2011 on the 6th May. The Energy Champion Awards acknowledge the achievements of local businesses and public sector organisations in reducing their energy consumption and improving the efficiency of their organisations. Currently there are over 50 trained Energy Champions within local business and 60 within Government Departments. Awards were presented in three categories for business and Government by Mrs Clare Christian MLC, Department Member with responsibility for Energy. Awards were presented as follows: • Best Innovation in Business – Luminaires • Best Innovation in Government – Works Division, Department of Education and Children • Best Practice in Business – Strand Shopping Centre • Best Practice in Government – Manx National Heritage • Biggest Saving in Business – Town House Hotel • Biggest Saving in Government – Information Systems Division, Department of Economic Development Highly Commended Awards were presented to the Isle of Man Post Office for their project to replicate energy saving features in several Post Office buildings during their refurbishment and to Mike Glanfield of Better Energy for his work as an Energy Consultant working with businesses to identify options to reduce their energy costs. Minister for Economic Development, Allan Bell MHK commented: “The Energy Champion Awards highlight the many excellent examples of good practice that are happening within local business and Government. The awards ceremony ensures the good work Energy Champions have achieved is recognised and I hope will encourage other organisations to consider potential energy saving opportunities within their organisations.” Mrs Clare Christian MLC, Department Member with responsibility for Energy commented: “I am delighted with how the Energy Champion Programme for businesses and Government has developed since its launch in 2008. It was interesting to hear how different organisations have approached the issue of energy saving and achieved such outstanding results. I am sure the Champions will continue with the excellent work they have achieved and I look forward to many more years of Energy Champion Awards. We all stand to benefit from the success of these projects in years to come.” Case studies of projects from across Government which are saving over ?400,000 each year are available to view on the Department of Environment, Food and Agriculture website, www.gov.im/defa. If your organisation would like to nominate an individual to receive energy efficiency training and become an Energy Champion who will be responsible for pursuing and implementing energy saving projects within the organisation please contact the Department on 01624 682367. ENDS